Denver Broncos Rumors: Demaryius Thomas Franchise Tag, Terrance Knighton Option For Return, Peyton Manning Contract Reworked For Cap Space?

Feb 28, 2015 03:30 PM EST
Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) heads up field on his way to a touchdown from Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos against the San Diego Chargers during the third quarter December 14, 2014 at Qualcomm Stadium "

The Denver Broncos are working to bring back Demaryius Thomas and the team may use the franchise tag over signing him to a long term deal if they can't agree on a contract and this comes as the team is reworking the contract f quarterback Peyton Manning and that could help retain Thomas as well as players like Julius Thomas, Terrance Knighton and Orlando Franklin.

The Broncos are coming into the offseason after a disappointing loss in the playoffs and now John Elway is working to keep his best players on the roster,. Elway hired a new head coach in Gary Kubiak after moving on from John Fox and now the focus turns to the players. Thomas is the top target for the Broncos and he likely will not hit the market this offseason. According to ESPN.com, the Broncos will use the franchise tag if they cannot reach a long term contract agreement with Thomas by the deadline. Thomas put up fantastic numbers last season and was the top target for Peyton Manning and that is why the Broncos will not let him go easily.

According to Bleacher Report, the Broncos and Manning are working on a restructured contract and that could help free up space to sign Thomas and other free agents. The report says that Manning's $19 million salary number could come down a bit and there is a chance the team could turn some money into a bonus to free up around $9 million in cap room. Manning is coming in after another strong season, but after he broke down a bit at the end of the year, the Broncos could look at getting a more experienced backup.

The Broncos are coming into the 2015 season after winning four straight division titles under Fox and that gives Kubiak some pressure as he takes over. Kubiak has a great relationship with Elway and while his offensive style is different than what Peyton Manning usually runs, he says it will not be an issue. Kubiak was the offensive coordinator and backup quarterback for Elway during his career and the two won Super Bowl championships together.

Elway said that he felt the Fox era was a success but that the team should have been able to do more and now Kubiak will take over. Kubiak was previously with the Texans and had a strong run as offensive coordinator with the Ravens after that. The Broncos have a number of significant free agents on both sides of the ball and they also will have new coordinators. Adam Gase left to run the offense for John Fox in Chicago, while Jack Del Rio took over the Oakland Raiders as head coach.

Terrance Knighton is a name to watch with the Raiders, as Del Rio has spoken his praises numerous times and could look at him as a free agent option. Knighton is one of the top players at his position on the market and fro the teams that want Ndamukong Suh but can't sign him, Knighton could be a replacement option. Oakland is expected to chase Suh and if they miss out, Knighton could be the player they end up with.

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